Topline:
L.A. Metro is expanding its TAP-to-Exit pilot program to all 10 end-of-line stations, starting in Santa Monica.
Remind me what the program does: Riders are supposed to tap their cards to enter the Metro system, but the pilot program requires riders to tap to exit — if riders didn't pay a fare to board, they'll have to pay their fare at the end.
Expanding: Enforcement officially began Wednesday for the E-Line’s Downtown Santa Monica station after a week-long grace period, and people could be cited if they try to avoid paying the fare.
Why it matters: L.A. Metro said in a statement that up to 94% of people arrested on the transit system for violent crime don’t have a valid fare or TAP card. The hope is that the program will make sure it’s only being used by customers for legitimate travel. Since TAP-to-Exit launched in North Hollywood, the agency wrote in its blog that it’s seen a notable increase in people paying their fare, as well as a drop in crime.
What's next: The pilot will continue to expand to other end-of-line stations, but the exact dates are still being worked out.
Go deeper: Read more about the pilot program.
